Join us on a beautiful equestrian getaway in the highlands of Ecuador, your base at
the historic and charming Hacienda Zuleta. Giving name to a whole valley and a small village,
Zuleta is an excellent place for an intimate encounter with Andean culture and
tradition. Upon stepping through its 16th century gates, you will feel as if
you were traveling back in time. Situated in the pastoral Zuleta Valley, the hacienda is home to the most exclusive barn in
Ecuador and combines excellent quality horses with outstanding service on a famous
colonial hacienda. The five thousand acre estate is nestled 2 hours North of Quito in the Andes Mountains at 9,000 feet.
Throughout the many years, Zuleta has entertained presidents and their families,
dignitaries and also celebrities, and therefore our staff knows how to truly make your stay
unforgettable. Family recipe dishes made of farm fresh products, complimentary birthday surprises, your
own personal favorite juice to start each morning, extra hot water bottle when nights are chilly
and some fresh flowers on your picnic table – it is the little details that make you
feel at home at Zuleta. The vacation starts with a pick up from Quito, and on the way we can stop at
the famous indigenous Otavalo market. The next five riding days are on board their top quality horses and are
filled with exciting new sights and trails each day. Climb to the top of the volcanoes and ride
through lush green valleys - the riding is only interrupted each day by the luxuriously set out lunches along
the way. In the evening you come back to the historic hacienda and after a
delicious organic meal we invite you to sit around the fireplace and talk about
the excitements of your daily experiences.

Itinerary for
Touch the Sky Trail

**These tours are just a sample of the many options we have. Please remember that pace, distance and destinations depend on you, almost everything is possible for us and our great horses.

Sample-Itinerary:

Day 1: Hacienda Overview
You arrive in the afternoon after a drive through lush pasture lands. With some luck you will have stunning views of the snowcapped volcano, Cayambe, which is just a few miles away. One of our hosts will welcome you personally upon arrival, and assist you with check in to your guest suite. Once settled. The herd will be waiting for you to choose your horse for the first ride and you will get the chance to try it in the ring at all paces. A bilingual riding instructor is available for your questions. After lunch we will ride up to Santa Rosa, through forest and dense vegetation up to a view point from where you have an overview of the whole Zuleta valley. As we will be right above the Condor centre and close to a feeding point, we will most likely see a wild condor fly by. Up here you will also have the best bird’s eye view of the ancient pre-Incan Caranqui pyramids that are spread all over the property. The loop continues with beautiful vistas of mountain slopes painted by that special afternoon light, and maybe a family of spectacle bears or foxes will come to say hello. Leaving the forest we will canter over a field with high grass, before we have to focus on our balance when the horse starts to climb down. Upon reaching flat grounds with the barn at a short distance the horses will volunteer a last gallop with some jumps over small ditches, before we collect them to reach the hacienda house and barn. A nice glass of wine in the living room, a roaring fire, comfortable sofas and a chat with your host will entertain you until dinner time.
Day 2: Condors and PyramidsBreakfast is great, healthy and abundant so there is no need to hurry. The herd will be waiting for you to pick your horse for today´s trail to the Condor Project. We will be riding on Hacienda grounds through eucalyptus valleys to the far eastern end, passing by milking sheds and pastures. After crossing a rocky river at a picturesque bridge and passing by the polo horses and the colts, we canter over an open field along the steep slopes that rise more than 1000m up to the paramo, make our way to an acacia forest and into the valley of the Condor. At the aviary you will see majestic birds from a short distance and we will be waiting for some wild ones to land at the surrounding rocks of the narrow valley. While the horses
rest and graze we visit the trout farm and glance into primary forest with its thousands of different leaves, ferns, bushes and running water everywhere. The way back to the hacienda takes us through pasture where we have to open one or the other gate and can ride to the top of one of the 1.000 year old truncated pyramids. These structures are made of dirt and were used as ceremonial places by the ancient Caranqui culture. Share pictures during lunch, have a tasty coffee in the living room, then choose between a riding lesson in the ring or an exciting trip to our 50 hectare cross country field where you can explore a great variety of terrain at a fast pace in the golden afternoon sunlight. The fireplace in your room will be lit and a hot bath is waiting for you to close the day in the most relaxing way before dinner.
Day 3: La Rinconada and Saddle MakerToday’s ride will lead you to the charming parish capital of Angochagua and into Rinconada valley. Heading out of the hacienda at the east end, we follow a cobble stone road into this tiny hillside village where time stands still. We will dismount the horses at the plaza and visit the church and the community school, before we descend through the woods into the pastoral Rinconada valley. A sandy road through hedges of agave and adobe walls leads us into a remote and independent community, rarely visited by any foreigners. We will have a little snack at the shores of a roaring river, where cows come to water and local women wash clothes. With incredible views of the primary forest on hanging gorges and of waterfalls coming from the rocky ridges above, we head southwest to the other side of the wide valley. Some long canters on endless sand tracks lead us to our lunch spot, where a comfortable tent is already waiting.
The horses rest while you are served a three course cooked picnic lunch and enjoy the view of the town of Ibarra, lying more than 1.000 meters below. After lunch we still have some ground to cover, so we say goodbye to our catering and keep following the road to a pass between Cunru and Cubilche mountain. We will see different plants like the spikey sisal and aloe vera and cross a desert like area. Once we crossed the pass beautiful Zuleta valley spreads out in front of us. The horses get fresh energy by sensing home and with some luck
we will see the snowy slopes of Cayambe, illuminated by the orange afternoon light in front of us.
Day 4: The Lake's View RideWith new energy we start today with one of the best rides in Zuleta: the Lake´s View. This ride offers two options, one within the hacienda’s limits, through grassland and woods, and another towards the town of Zuleta, up the main road, passing by the villagers’ homes. In both cases, we ride over cobblestone roads to a hilltop called Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Loaf), which offers fascinating views of classic Andean landscapes, with patchwork fields, small towns and breathtaking mountains and glaciers. The road will continue along a small pine forest at the foot of Mount Cubilche; we will then reach the other side of the mountain to discover the landscapes of Mount Imbabura. Taking advantage of a spectacular view of Lake San Pablo, we will prepare a delicious picnic, and then, depending on the weather, choose between different options to head back to the hacienda house, through barley fields or other typical Ecuadorian Andes vistas.Riding: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Day 5: Goodbye
After breakfast we invite you to explore our organic garden, where you can learn about permaculture and see where the ingredients for our menu originate. You can explore the farm operation, feed baby calves, count sheep, talk to the vaqueros (local Cowboys), enjoy our embroidery shop, or relax in the garden before leaving for your next destination.

Other options:

Herding horses: Do something really great in the morning before your daily activities: bring in the herd! You have to be at the barn at 6:45am to ride out to the pasture with one of the horsemen. Most horses are already waiting at the gate, but some prefer to stay, so you will get into the field and herd them, sometimes a challenging task. At 7am the sun comes over
the mountains, the whole herd of approximately 50 mares, geldings and foals is on its way and you see all the flaring manes and tails in front of you. They head right to the barn, so
you have nothing else to do but listen to the sound of 200 clapping hoofs and enjoy the moment.

Cusin Peak Experience: With new energy we start again on a difficult and long ride up to the paramo, the high grasslands and reach the peak of Cusin volcano, one of the most ancient mountains in the Ecuadorian Andes. The ride starts through our neighbor hacienda La Merced, with some long canters and jogs along soft grassy and sandy trails. Once we reach the foot of Cusin, the pace slows down to a steady walk, as the horses have to climb 1.300 meters in altitude during the next few hours. At each turn air gets slightly colder and the view grows increasingly spectacular, showing the Mojanda range, Imbabura with the lake and Cotacachi. Our trail is frequented only by park rangers and some locals who come up to get “paja” for their thatched roofs.
The horses will be breathing hard and there is no obvious trail we are following, but the guides find their way in this sea of grass. You will truly experience the remoteness of the paramo lands, and as the Cusin lies like an island in the middle of the two Andean ranges, you will have a breathtaking 360º view of several snowcapped peaks in the south, like Cayambe, Cotopaxi (at 100km distance!), Antisana and Illinizas. If the wind is not too strong we will have a picnic lunch right on top of Cusin, otherwise we ride down to a more protected spot. Up there we might get visited by a condor, eagles, deer or foxes. Even pumas have been seen. Today our picnic will come out of the saddle bags, including hot soup, a main dish and desert, good substance for the journey home. The mountain tracks are amazing, including rocky parts, caves, and other volcanic formations. As we are riding over plains and down some very steep parts, over a stone field and through washed out canyons we need the full attention of both rider and horse, but once we reach flat ground we will break into a releasing canter over a huge plateau with oat plantations. As we crossed the Cusin volcano on an almost straight line, we will be coming back to the hacienda from the opposite direction, through eucalyptus forest and with long canters. Coming back to Zuleta you should pamper your muscles with a 1 hour, full body massage, Geovanni, the massage therapist from Otavalo is really an expert.

San Marcos (part of the Cotacachi – Cayapas National Ecological Reserve): Time is flying by, but here comes the best ride. Today we will go to San Marcos lagoon with 65 km of ground to cover. Starting with an early breakfast, we leave no later than 9am heading south on the main road through the village. Everybody will ask us where we are going and when we say “San Marcos” they are impressed by our fortitude! The day starts with a steady pace, long jogs and canters, not too fast to preserve energy.
Riding out of Zuleta valley and in the direction of Cayambe, we will see some old women collecting logs and loading them on a donkey’s back. We cross a small river and come into
Pesillo, a very rural village, not ever visited by foreigners. It feels like being on an expedition some centuries ago, as we cross Pesillo, and ride into the long valley of Olmedo, which
reveals our destination in the far distance. Stunning views of Cayambe, now really close by and of remote pastoral valleys, roaring rivers and forgotten villages combined with our steady jog let time stand still. Around noon we enter the Cayambe Coca national park and the scenery changes immediately. A huge canyon opens to our right, with rocky walls of 200m and more. The vegetation changes slightly too, as we ascend to the higher paramo levels. Rare birds and plants are everywhere, water leaks through the volcanic stones and cold winds come down from Cayambe, the majestic giant now right in front of us. Just when the climate seems to be too rough, we take a left and follow a winding road downhill, protected from the wind and cold. And there it is, hidden in the mist, a volcanic lake, surrounded by virgin forest, with crystal clear water and absolute solitude – except for our comfortable lunch tent of course! And we do appreciate a luxurious, hot lunch after such a ride. When we come home to the hacienda shortly after nightfall, the horse’s shoes will sparkle on the cobblestone, and with that magical moment we close our day.

Páramo de Ventanas: If you are an experienced rider and love adventure, this is the ride for you. The trip begins as we climb up Cerro Santa Rosa, which lies behind the hacienda on a dirt road skirting a beautiful pine grove up to the edge of Zuleta. The view is magnificent. At first you loom over the estate itself, catching sight of the pyramids and the inn as the road slowly unwinds onto a special lookout over a beguiling transect of the Andes mountain range. The vegetation changes, larger trees become smaller and tall grasslands abound, typical of the highlands at páramo level. As we ride through this stunning landscape, we take in the magic of the Ecuadorian Andes, reliving experiences of a heritage of Andean cowboys as the wind caresses our horses’ manes. At the top you will find a rock formation with a hole in the middle known as “Ventanas” (Windows, in English). This is a great place to stop for a delicious lunch. On our way back from the mountain, we cautiously make it down the steep hill towards the hacienda house.Riding: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: strong intermediate

Riding to Volcano Cunrro: We leave through the hacienda’s front gate, pass the soccer field, church and community school (a standard sight in any Ecuadorian Andean community) and along the main cobblestone road we begin to climb, past the villagers’ homes. If weather permits, we may see glorious Mount Cayambe behind us, a snow peak with an elevation
of 5,790 m.a.s.l (almost 19000 ft!). Mount Cunrro is easy to reach. It is a small hill located at the foot of Mount Imbabura, and blends perfectly with the Zuleteño landscape. This small volcano is covered with eucalyptus and pine forests, as well as natural vegetation and offers a spectacular view of the Andean cordillera, as well as the city of Ibarra. After a short rest, we descend back to the village and return to the hacienda.Riding: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: intermediate

4-6 hrs in the saddle
Slow moderate with trots and canters according to riding level

Level:

(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate

Age:

Min
12

Weight:

Max
200 lbs

Riders:

Min
2 riders

Max
10 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
24

Zuleta is known not only for its price winning pure Andalusians including national champions and precious stallions, but especially for its very own breed – the Zuleteño. The Hacienda was the first to bring pure bred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60ties. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse. The horses respond best to light, but clear signals. They are used to being ridden with a soft hand and slack in the reins. They are taught to neck rein.

You can be part of numerous daily activities around the breeding barn: foals are born every month, weanlings cry for their mothers, stallions show off when the herd of mares comes by, the horsemen train young colts and fillies or refine canter aids in the ring. Go visit the different herds in the fields, or encourage the playful foals to canter with you.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children, and you will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.

The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.

Riders will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails and through local villages.

All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an English speaking guide is also available. All-day excursions include a luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and wine.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports must be carried at all times. Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart ab. more

Climate for
Touch the Sky Trail

The hacienda is located in the highlands of Ecuador and the Sierra enjoys a temperate Andean climate with temperatures ranging from the mid 50°F to the low 70°F. Generally speaking, the drier months are from June to September, the wettest from January to May, also October. During the rainy season rain usually comes in the late afternoon while the mornings are dry. June to September is the hottest, driest months with the clearest skies in the northern part of the Sierra. Important to Bring: Lightweight fleece jacket or wool jumper, thermals, gloves and hat are useful for high altitudes and colder temperatures. A rain jacket and sturdy boots are also recommended especially if undertaking hiking and trekking.

What to Bring for
Touch the Sky Trail

In most parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for cold nights and cold rain if you're caught outside. Warm, fast drying clothes are recommended (synthetics and wool are good, but avoid cotton, especially directly against the skin).

Since you will be riding at elevations between 9.000 and 13.000 feet, light warm clothing worn in layers is highly recommended. Ponchos in case of rain will be provided.

We encourage all riders to wear a helmet and chaps (which we can provide). Ponchos in case of rain will be provided.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants/breeches

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Wool sweater

Long sleeved shirts

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip)

Wind breaker

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajama

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Video for
Touch the Sky Trail

Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.

Google Map for
Touch the Sky Trail

Average Tour Ratings for
Touch the Sky Trail

*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.

Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.

Accommodations for
Touch the Sky Trail

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This beautiful estate, owned by the descendents of former Ecuadorian
president, Galo Plaza.Antiques and family photographs give every room its
personal flavor. Some have access to a private hidden garden others to a patio
where hummingbirds fly around the sun chairs. Cozy living rooms with big
fireplaces and comfortable sofas invite to relax at your leisure. It is also a
self-sufficient farm, producing its own rainbow trout, organic vegetables,
cheese, etc... Though not open to the general public for lodging, the hacienda
offers all the comforts of a well-establish hotel. There are 7 rooms with queen
size and 3 rooms with two twin beds each. All rooms have a private bath tub.
Here you are a guest of the Plaza family and you are welcomed as such. All
guests receive a private room with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden
views. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in the cozy reading and
living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors
including past presidents and dignitaries.

The Cuisine: Fine Country DiningAs your dining experience unfolds; you will be impressed by the Hacienda’s
sustainability. Delicious snacks like banana cake, farm made cheeses, fresh
juice or anything else you could think of are served in the living rooms all day
long.
The meals will be typical Ecuadorian "family" cuisine.
Virtually everything gracing the table comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth and
is carefully prepared by hand. Fresh milk and cream from Zuleta’s dairy cows are
offered daily.
Handmade cheeses are produced from the farm’s fresh milk and carefully crafted
in the small factory near the guest house.
Rainbow trout are caught moments before melting in your mouth.
Freshly churned butter melts over warm bread baked from wheat harvested on the
Hacienda.
Fresh organic fruit and vegetables are picked from the expansive garden to make
unforgettable salads and freshly squeezed juices.
In addition, gourmet picnic lunches with fine wine and cheeses are provided for
all-day excursions.
Vegetarian menus are available upon request.

Wireless internet in all rooms will keep you connected to the outside world,
if you wish to.

Touch the Sky Trail

4-6 hrs in the saddle
Slow moderate with trots and canters according to riding level

Level:

(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate

Age:

Min
12

Weight:

Max
200 lbs

Riders:

Min
2 riders

Max
10 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
24

Zuleta is known not only for its price winning pure Andalusians including national champions and precious stallions, but especially for its very own breed – the Zuleteño. The Hacienda was the first to bring pure bred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60ties. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse. The horses respond best to light, but clear signals. They are used to being ridden with a soft hand and slack in the reins. They are taught to neck rein.

You can be part of numerous daily activities around the breeding barn: foals are born every month, weanlings cry for their mothers, stallions show off when the herd of mares comes by, the horsemen train young colts and fillies or refine canter aids in the ring. Go visit the different herds in the fields, or encourage the playful foals to canter with you.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children, and you will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.

The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.

Riders will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails and through local villages.

All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an English speaking guide is also available. All-day excursions include a luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and wine.

Visa Requirement For
Touch the Sky Trail

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports must be carried at all times.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.

Passport Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

Yes

USA

Yes

Other EU

Yes

Visa Required?

British

No

Australian

No

Canadian

No

USA

No

Other EU

No

Return Ticket Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

Yes

USA

Yes

Other EU

Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.